Anne B. Rowe
May 20, 1927 ~ September 15, 2017
Falmouth- Anne McDonough Rowe, 90, of Depot Road, died peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Pine Point Nursing Center in Scarborough, with her loving family by her side.
Anne was born in Portland, Maine on May 20, 1927, the daughter of the late James and Nora (Lee) McDonough. She attended St. Dominic's School and graduated from Cathedral High School in the class of 1944.
In 1958, she married Carroll E. Rowe and together they had six children. Carroll's sudden and untimely death in 1977 left Anne with the challenge of raising six children on her own. With courage and strength she took on the challenge, without complaint, and accomplished this difficult task. Working part time as a teacher's aide at the Plummer Motz School in Falmouth, Anne was able to ensure that all six of her children received college degrees. Her success as a single mother is a true testament to her strong determination and unwavering faith.
Anne was passionate about music and in her early years studied voice with Rupert Nealy. She was one of the first of three teenagers accepted into the Portland Woman's Choir. Anne was a longtime member of the St. Dominic's choir and the choir at Holy Martyrs in Falmouth. She was an accomplished pianist, and had a beautiful soprano voice. Anne loved all types of music including show tunes, South Pacific being one of her favorite musicals, gospel music, and Irish music. When she wasn't singing, Anne could be found taking road trips around Maine and New Hampshire or sitting in her chair at Scarborough Beach with her kids, hollering "you are too far out, come back in". Her greatest love was the time she spent surrounded by her family.
Anne was predeceased by her loving husband Carroll Rowe in 1977; three brothers, William, Edward, and James McDonough; a sister, Mary Young. She is survived by her six children, Nora Lee Hoye and her husband Kevin of Old Orchard Beach, Carol Anne Catalano and her husband Robert of CT, Maureen Desveaux and her husband Roger of Scarborough, Eileen Allen and her husband Graham of FL, Paul Rowe and his wife Renee of GA, and Chrisitne "Bub" Lee of Freeport; fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Visiting hours and celebration of Anne's life will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited on Wednesday, September 20 at 9:15am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Martyr's Church, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Anne's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Those who wish may make contributions in Anne's memory to: Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102
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Anne (but she was always “Auntie Anne” to me) was a huge part of my life growing up. She was great friends with my Nanny, Edna Sayers, who babysat me five days a week. I have fond memories of Auntie Anne joining us for breakfast almost every day and would always laugh when I would insist on taking shots of the creamer in the packages at the table (much to my Nanny’s chagrin). When I would spend weekends in Falmouth I could always expect her to join me at mass there and encourage me to sing along with the choir. We’ll miss you Auntie Anne, keep my Nanny good company up there 🙂
– Alekzander Sayers